My First lesson was 11/2004- took MSF beginner class in Fullerton and I'm ready to roll out for more miles, new adventures and to meet new friends ever since. . 2009 Yamaha Road Star Silverado "S", lots of chrome on handlebar controls and forks, now with 43,115 miles.
"The Ride is the destination"

BLOG ARCHIVES

Look in the Blog Archive in the box to the right for past ride reports going back to 2006. New material posted as rides or other motorcycle news occurs. Thanks for reading. Comments always welcome, be sure to log in below. Comments will be reviewed. Please note the disclaimer below.

About Me

Motorcycling has been a life changing experience. I hope sharing the info and pictures on the Blog gives you some idea how impressed I am with the experience, travel and the people I have met. Made new friends especially among Riders here in Orange County. Special recognition to Johney (Wrench)-helps with all the maintenance stuff+rides, plus other great riding friends: Ken Y., Luis V. & Minita, Chuck & Patty, John R., Joe, Carolyn, Gregg, Charlie & Carol, Rick, Stan P., Ed & Susan P., Barry, plus Terry, Bob B., Brian H., Glenn, William & Daveta Jo, Bob (Concho) and others.
*************
DISCLAIMER: This is my personal write-up (Blog) of motorcycling news, rides and events that I am involved with in some way and not affiliated with any group, organization or club that might be mentioned herein. There should be no confusion regarding the fact these are my personal comments and not those of any other entity.

Amazing scenery, great ride, wonderful time.

Monument Valley, Utah-9/2011 photo by Johney Harper!

Monday, January 07, 2013

Ride to USS Iowa BB 61 -Chapter 230

The first Saturday
of January means it’s time for a ride with STAR Chapter 230 and it also means
taking care of chapter business such as reading of the charter, signing ride
waivers and other business items.It
means a shorter ride is scheduled and it will be a tour of the Battleship Iowa
BB 61 anchored at the San Pedro docks of Ports of Call village.Seems nearly everyone shows up for the
meeting including a group from Chapter 415-Harbor City and Rac representing
chapter 500 from Pasadena along with several that just come to submit the
annual ride forms and then leave.As I prepared to ride on down to the meeting
location I made sure I had enough warm clothing as it was a bit chilly and even cold once underway.

The members and guests attending the meeting number around
40 but the actual ride group will be a bit smaller.Our route will take us on the 22 Fwy. to the
405, to the Harbor Freeway to Pacific Coast Highway and then over to Palos
Verdes Blvd. where we go through beautiful Palos Verdes observing the speed
limit, winding our way over to San Pedro and the Korean Friendship Bell
overlooking San Pedro area and shoreline.After a brief photo opportunity at the bell it’s only a short 15-20
minutes and we arrive at Ports-O-Call and the U.S.S. Iowa BB 61 for a tour aboard
ship.

It’s quite a sight to see the ship anchored against the
dock looking lower in profile than I first imagined, still it is a formidable
warship once you get on board and see the huge 16 inch guns plus all the
other weapons. A word of caution if you do take the tour, be sure to bring hand sanitizer with you as you will need it during and after you complete the tour. You are constantly holding on to hand rails climbing from one deck to the next as is everyone else and a perfect opportunity to share lots of germs with lots of people. A WORD TO THE WISE!

The tour only covers the
upper decks and one partial lower deck so we don’t get to see most of the ship
as yet.Also for anyone that has any
physical impairment the stairs or ladders from one deck to another are
extremely steep and you really have to hold on to avoid any slip or misstep.Four of us bought a group ticket at the
window and paid $15 each instead of the regular price of $18 (I think) not a
big discount or you can buy through Groupon I understand.After a stop at the gift shop for some trinket
or must have item, the self guided tour was over by 1:10 PM or so.

We journey over the Vincent Thomas bridge to Long Beach Convention
Center area for a late lunch at Famous Dave's Bar-B-Cue.

If the photos seem dark or colors are a bit distorted it is
the result of my new CanonPower shot
110HS Elph, for some reason the colors are over saturated and I can’t figure
how to make it better.Will probably go
back to previous Canon 880 as it does much better with colors and clarity as
well.